UCLA head baseball coach Gary Adams announced today that he will retire from coaching following the 2004 baseball season. Next season will be his 30th as UCLA's head coach.

"Coaching at UCLA has been a dream come true for me," said Adams. "I've had a tremendous time working with the quality student-athletes in our program. Watching them develop during their time at UCLA and then watching their successes in all fields after college has made me proud to be their coach.

"Next year will be my 30th, and last, season as UCLA's head coach. We have most of our key players from this season's team returning, and I am looking forward to one great final season. It's been a great 30 years, but it's time for someone else to lead this program."

In addition to coaching the 2004 season, Adams will spend the 2004-2005 year assisting with the transition to a new staff in an external affairs/administrative position.

"Gary has been a tremendous asset to the UCLA baseball program for three decades," said Associate Athletic Director Ken Weiner, who has oversight responsibility for baseball. "He has produced outstanding major leaguers, such as Troy Glaus, Eric Karros, Dave Roberts and Todd Zeile, just to mention a few of his former students currently in the majors. Just as importantly, he has developed young men who have been highly successful in all walks of life.

"His former players are extremely proud to have played for Gary and we are proud of the way he has represented UCLA throughout his tenure as head coach. We are happy that Gary will assist with the transition to a new era in the areas of fundraising and alumni networking."

During his 29 seasons (1975-03) at UCLA, Adams, 63, has compiled a record of 950-793-7. The Bruins have participated in the NCAA playoffs seven times in the last 14 years, reaching the College World Series in 1997 and the Super Regional in 2000. No less than 38 of his Bruins have reached the Major Leagues, the highest total of any active collegiate baseball coach.

Including his five seasons (1970-74) at UC Irvine, his record is 1138-862-12. He won the NCAA Division II NCAA championship in 1973 and 1974.